Lilium lankongense (Lankong lily) — Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb

Overview

Lilium lankongense is a upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb bulb in the genus Lilium, part of the Liliaceae family, with deciduous; narrow lance-shaped leaves, scattered or in whorls up the stem foliage. Lilium lankongense grows best in full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light, and tolerates deep humus-rich loam and or loam-based compost in pots soils and neutral to acid and though madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H6. It is native to SE Tibet to China.

About

Lilium lankongense is a bulbous lily with upright, unbranched stems arising from a scaly bulb and narrow lance-shaped leaves arranged either scattered or in whorls. It is deciduous and produces its flowers from June to August. Native to SE Tibet and parts of China, it favours a sheltered spot with sun above but cool roots. Handle bulbs with gloves and keep pets away, as lilies are toxic to cats if eaten.

About the genus

Lilium is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, all with large and often prominent flowers. Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in culture and literature in much of the world. Most species are native to the Northern Hemisphere and their range is temperate climates and extends into the subtropics.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lilium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lilium

In the garden

Lilium lankongense is a true lily from SE Tibet to China, forming scaly underground bulbs that send up single, upright stems bearing narrow lance-shaped leaves. Flowering occurs from June to August. The plant is deciduous and performs best where it receives light overhead while its bulb remains cool and shaded. Plant into deep, humus-rich loam or a loam-based compost when grown in containers. Aim for neutral to slightly acid soil and ensure conditions remain moist but sharply drained, since standing water will cause bulbs to rot. Sit plants in a south-, west- or east-facing position that is sheltered from strong winds; dappled light can also suit the root-shaded requirement. Protective gloves are advised when handling bulbs, and note that lilies are toxic to cats if ingested. With a UK hardiness rating of H4–H6 (average to very hardy), Lilium lankongense will overwinter outdoors across much of Britain but benefits from protection on exposed sites. It adapts to large pots with loam-based compost or to sheltered herbaceous borders where soil drains freely. Avoid planting where winter water accumulates, because bulbs rot in stagnant wet.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lilium

Sunlight: Full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light
Soil type: Deep humus-rich loam, or loam-based compost in pots
Soil pH: Neutral to acid, though Madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime
Soil moisture: Moist but sharply drained - bulbs rot in stagnant wet
Aspect: South, west or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4-H6

Plant details

Lilium lankongense size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulb
Habit: Upright unbranched stems from a scaly bulb
Foliage: Deciduous; narrow lance-shaped leaves, scattered or in whorls up the stem
Native to: SE Tibet to China
Toxicity: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lilium lankongense

Cultivation: Plant bulbs deeply, at roughly three times their own depth, on a layer of grit so water drains away from the scales; the exception is Lilium candidum, which sits just below the surface. Feed while in growth and let the stem die down naturally afterwards so the bulb can rebuild. Container growing gives the sharp drainage most lilies want and makes lily beetle far easier to police.
Pruning: Remove faded flowers to stop seed forming, but leave the stem and foliage until it has yellowed completely, then cut to the base.
Propagation: Detach offset bulbs or individual scales when dormant and grow them on in a cold frame. Species can be raised from seed, though flowering may take three to five years.
Pest resistance: Scarlet lily beetle is the serious pest and will strip a plant if unchecked - adults and larvae both need removing on sight. Slugs damage emerging shoots.
Disease resistance: Botrytis marks the foliage in wet summers. Virus, spread by aphids, causes streaked and distorted growth and cannot be cured.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lilium lankongense?

Plant bulbs deeply, at roughly three times their own depth, on a layer of grit so water drains away from the scales; the exception is Lilium candidum, which sits just below the surface. Feed while in growth and let the stem die down naturally afterwards so the bulb can rebuild. Container growing gives the sharp drainage most lilies want and makes lily beetle far easier to police.

Where is the best place to plant Lilium lankongense?

Lilium lankongense prefers full sun with the roots in shade; some species prefer dappled light. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lilium lankongense need?

Lilium lankongense grows best in deep humus-rich loam and or loam-based compost in pots soil. It prefers neutral to acid and though madonna and trumpet lilies tolerate lime soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but sharply drained - bulbs rot in stagnant wet.

How do I prune Lilium lankongense?

Remove faded flowers to stop seed forming, but leave the stem and foliage until it has yellowed completely, then cut to the base.

Is Lilium lankongense hardy in the UK?

Lilium lankongense has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Lilium lankongense?

Detach offset bulbs or individual scales when dormant and grow them on in a cold frame. Species can be raised from seed, though flowering may take three to five years.

Is Lilium lankongense toxic?

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten (cats) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.

More in the Lilium genus

Browse all Lilium →